Planning Director

Penguin Recruitment; Ringway; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd seeks a Director of Planning to lead the UK planning practice, shape strategy and deliver high‑quality planning advice. You will guide cross‑regional teams, win major infrastructure projects and strengthen client relationships across energy, transport, water and housing sectors.

Strong RTPI accreditation and a track record in leadership are essential. Based in the UK, the role focuses on driving growth, thought leadership and excellent client service while championing

Job description

Job Title

Director of Planning

Locations

London, Cambridge, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow

The Role

As Director of Planning, you will provide strategic leadership across the UK planning practice, working closely with senior stakeholders to drive growth, enhance market presence and deliver technical excellence to clients.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction to the national Planning practice.
• Support the development and delivery of business growth plans.
• Lead, inspire and develop teams across multiple regions.
• Foster a high-performing and collaborative culture.

Business Development

• Drive work-winning activities and secure major infrastructure and development projects.
• Identify emerging opportunities across sectors including energy, transport, water, housing and Net Zero.
• Build and maintain a strong external profile within the industry.
• Strengthen client relationships and market positioning.

Client & Project Delivery

• Act as lead director on flagship projects and key client accounts.
• Deliver high-quality planning advice across complex, multidisciplinary schemes.
• Oversee commercial performance, governance and risk management.
• Ensure technical excellence and outstanding client service.

Collaboration

• Work closely with planning, environmental, engineering and design teams.
• Promote integrated delivery and a one-team approach.
• Contribute to innovation and thought leadership initiatives.

People & Culture

• Mentor and develop planning professionals across all levels.
• Support talent development and succession planning.
• Help attract and retain the industry's best talent.
• Champion an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

About You

You will be an accomplished planning professional with a strong track record of leadership, business development and delivering major projects.

Requirements include:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning (RTPI accredited).
• Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Extensive consultancy experience, including leadership of high-performing teams.
• Proven success in winning and delivering major infrastructure and development projects.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting regimes, including DCO experience where applicable.
• Excellent commercial awareness and experience managing complex client relationships.
• An established professional network and recognised industry profile.
• Outstanding communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a market-leading consultancy and influence some of the UK's most significant infrastructure and development projects. You'll have the platform to shape strategy, grow teams and contribute to the industry's response to some of society's biggest challenges, including climate change, sustainable growth and infrastructure delivery.